Ozeki Tochiazuma will put promotion to yokozuna on the line when he steps onto the raised ring from the prestigious east side at the Spring Grand Sumo Tournament.
The Japan Sumo Association (JSA) officially awarded the New Year winner the No. 3 spot among active wrestlers behind yokozuna duo Musashimaru and Takanohana in its rankings for the March 10-24 tournament at Osaka Prefectural Gymnasium.
Tochiazuma became the first ozeki debutante in 33 years to win the Emperor's Cup last month when he beat fellow ozeki Chiyotaikai in a championship playoff after posting a 13-2 record in regulation bouts at Tokyo's Ryogoku Kokugikan.
The triumph also made Tochiazuma the first wrestler in 61 years to win the title in all of sumo's six divisions, but at the same time put extra pressure on the 25-year-old ahead of a tourney known for being filled with upsets and surprises.